Signaling system.



C. E. BEACH.

SIGNALING SYSTEM. APPLICATION-FILED 050. Is. 1916.

Emma; fi e 0118,1917.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

C iv

CLARENCE E. BEACH, OF BINGHAM'ION, NEW YORK.

SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Application filed December 18, 1916.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CLARENCE E. BEACH, a citizen of the United States,residing at Binghamton, in the county of Broome and State of New York,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signaling Systems,of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to signaling systems having two or more classesof translating devices, suitable conductors connecting said devices withsignal initiating stations, and means at signal initiating stations forselectively governing the response of the various classes of signaltranslating devices.

Signaling systems of this character may be advantageously employed ascombination fire alarm and police signaling systems, as combinationwatchmans time detector and fire alarm systems, as combination\vatchmans time detector, fire alarm and police call systems, and ascombination fire dismissal and fire alarm systems adapted for use infactories and buildings where many persons congregate.

Signaling systems have heretofore been devised embodying two classes ofsignaling circuits each including signal translating devices, and bothclasses of circuits including c cuit controlling mechani m at signalinitiating stations. each signal initiating station being provided withclock-work mechanism for suitably actuating the circuit controllingmechanism for both classes of circuits, and with so-calledalarm-contr0lers comprising switches so connected with such signalingcircuits that the circuit-controllers at any signaling station may beselectively shunted.

This multiplicity of contact points'and connections, which is inherentto the shunting switches heretofore used, has impaired the reliabilityof such systems because of the liability of corrosion of contactsurfaces seldom used and the liability of accumulation of dirt and dustthereon. When such switches have been used for the purpose of shuntingout a controller of a given class after a substantial period of disu e,the contact surfaces so employed have offered such :facture. andmaintainanceiof signal boxes Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 18, 1917.

Serial No. 137,608.

embodying such switches has also been found to be expensive and torequire the exercise of much skill and care.

An important object of this invention is to so minimize the number ofcontact surfaces employed in such a system, that the effectiveness ofthe transmission of intended signals will be in no wise impaired oraffected by the condition of any contact surface other than thetransmitting contacts which are under constant test.

Other objects are to provide a system which can be more economically andconvenient'ly manufactured and maintained than similar systemsheretofore devised.

Still other objects together with their inherent advantages will be inpart obvious and in part specifically set forth in the followingspec'ification and more fully pointed out in'the claims.

In constructing this invention,circuits, loops or branches are arrangedin any well known or suitable manner so that the openings or closings(as the case may be) of any given circuit, loop or branch will cause thetranslating devices included therein to produce the des red signalmanifestations.

'Signal initiating stations are provided, each having mechanism adapted,when actuated. to operate circuit-controllers to cause desired openingsand closures in signaling circuits, and each having a separatecircuitcontroller for each circuit, loop or branch to be contrrlled bysuch station. Governing inafter employed in referring to such gov.-

erning mechanism.

In applying th s invention to a combina;

tion fire dismissal and fire alarm system adapted for use in a factory,local alarm devices included in one of the signaling cir" cuits shouldbe suitably distributed throughout the various buildings, floors androoms where signals s ould be sounded for warning occupants of dangerand directing emergency dismissals or drills, while suitable generalalarm mechanism included in an other signaling circuit should be sosituated as to call assistance from public or private fire departmentstations. In applying this invention to a combination fire alarm andpolice signaling system, translating devices included in one of thesignaling circuits should be located so as to suitably summon policeaid, and translating devices included in another circuit should be sosituated as to call fire department aid.

In applying this invention to a combination watchmans time detector andfire alarm system, translating devices included in one of the signalingcircuits should be provided for recording and manifesting the watchmansreport signals, and translating devices included in another signalingcircuit should be provided for manifesting fire alarm signals.

. In applying this invention to a signaling system in which three ormore classes of signals are required, such as watchmans report signals,fire alarm signals, and police call signals, a separate alarm circuitshould be provided for each class, together with suitablecircuit-controllers and actuating mechanism therefor at each signalstation.

. If it is desired to avoid mutilation of the signals of any given classor classes in the event of two or more signal-boxes being set in motionat or about the same time for the transmission of signals of that class,noninterference magnets and suitable mechanism responsive thereto shouldbe supplied at each signal-box for controlling the operation of thecircuit-controllers provided for the initiation of signals in thecircuit or circuits of such class or classes.

For the purpose of enabling this invention to be more readilyunderstood, an embodiment thereof is shown in the annexed drawings andhereinafter described, but this invention is not limited to theparticular arrangement shown, and hereinafter described, as many changesin construction and arrangement and insertions or omissions of parts maybe made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

- In the accompanying drawings- Figure l diagrammatically represents atypical signaling system embodying this invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged elevation of mechanism used at signal initiatingstations.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a detail to be referred to.

Figs. 4 and 5 are isometric projections of alternate forms ofalarm-controller mechanism adapted for signal initiating stations whichcontrol four circuits.

Like reference characters denote similar parts throughout.

Signal initiating stations are indicated at A, B and C, and in theinterest of briefness these stations will be hereinafter referred to bythe use of the conventional term sigrial-boxes. i V

Translating devices are indicated by the reference characters L, M, Nand R. The devices L, M and N'being shown connected in the circuit orloop which also includes the current source H. For convenience, thiscircuit or loop will be hereinafter referred to as the local alarmcircuit, and the translating devices L, M and N will be generallyhereinafter referred to as local alarm mechanism. The local alarmmechanism is diagran'imatically indicated in the form of gongs or bellswhich, for convenience, will be hereinafter individually referred to asgongs.

The second current source G is included in another circuit or loop whichalso includes the translating device R. For convenience this secondnamed loop will be hereinafter referred to as a generalalarm. circuitand the translating deviceR will be hereinafter referred to asgeneralalarm' mechanism.

, The ends of the local'and' general alarm circuits are joined at 10 and11 respectively; said joined ends being connected by the'conductor 12.

It is preferable to employ thetwo batteries G and H as shown, but asuitable single current source serially included in the conductor 12 maybe employed in the place of the two current sources G and H underconditions understood by those skilled in this art.

Each signal-box has signal formulating mechanism comprising a signalwheel 30 and two circuit-controllers consisting of the cooperatingcontact springs 31 and 32 and the cooperating contact springs 33 and 34.Tracer levers 35 and 36 are pivoted at 37 and carry projections adaptedto rest upon the periphery of the signal wheel 30 so as to be suitablyinfluenced by the rotation thereof. The movement of the lever 35 isimparted to the contact by means of the insulating spacer 38, and themovement of the lever 36 is correspondingly imparted to the contact 3%by means of the spacer 39. The contacts 31 and32 of each signal-box areseriallv included in the general alarm circuit. The contacts 33 and 34:of each signal-box are serially included in the local alarm circuit. 5

The current path for. the local alarm circuit is as follows :from joint10, through conductor 13, current source H. and conductor 1% to gong N;from gong N, through conductor 15 to contact 3- of signal box C; fromcontact 33 of signal-box C through conductor 16 to gong M; from gong M,through conductor 17, to contact 3-.l of box 13; from contact 33 of boxB, through conductor 18, to gong L; from gong L, through conductor 19,to contact 3% of box A; from contact 33 of box A, through conductor E20,

to joint ll. l l.'o1n.joint 11 two return eurga ga rent paths areprovided for the local alarm circuit to joint 10, one path throughconductor l2 and the other path through th general alarm loop orcircuit.

The current path through the general alarm circuit is as follows: fromjoint 11, through conductor 29 and magnet 40, conductor 24, and contact31, to contact 32 of signal-box A; thence through conductor 27 andmagnet 40, conductor 24, and contact 31, to contact 32 of signal-box 13;thence through conductor 25 to magnet 40, conductor 24, and contact 31,to contact 32 of signal-box C; thence through conductor 23, currentsource G and conductor 22 to general alarm mechanism R, thence throughconductor 21 to joint 10.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that interruptions of the generalalarm circuit will result in the deenergization of the magnets 40 of thesignal-boXes-and cause responsive action of the general alarm mechanismR. Interruptions of the local alarm circuit will similarly causeresponsive action of the local alarm mechanism L, M and N. Interruptionof but one of these circuits will not cause responsive action of thetranslating devices included in the other of said circuits, as thecontinuity of either circuit may be independently maintained through thecommon return conductor 12, but if both the local and the general alarmcircuits are interrupted, all of the translating devices will respond.Non-interference magnets are shown in the general alarm circuit only inthe accompanying drawings, but it is evident that similar magnets andcontact locking mechanism could be provided for the local alarm circuit,and if more than two circuits were provided, similar mechanism could becorrespondingly supplied for each of such circuits.

Referring to Fig. 2, the mechanism provided at signaling stationscomprises,the actuating main spring 41, the manual winding handle 42therefor, the sector 43 moving with the winding handle 42, the stops 44and 45 for suitably limiting the travel of the sector 43, the pinion 46engaged by the sector 43 and carried by the shaft 47, the escape wheel48 mounted on the shaft 47, adapted to move independently of the pinion46 and carrying a spring click 49, the ratchet wheel 50 moving with thepinion 46 and adapted to be engaged by the click 49 for the purpose ofdriving the escape wheel 48, and the escapement governor 51 forregulating the speed'of rotation of the wheel 48.

v The signal wheel 30 moves with the escape wheel 48 and acts throughthe tracers 35 and 36 to suitably operate the contacts 32 and in a wellknown manner.

The armature 52 is carried by the lever 53, saidlever ispivoted at 54and carries l a pin 55 'which is so located. that, when said armature 52is in its attracted position, said pin 55 is withdrawn from the path ofthe tracer 35, and so that, when the said armature is in its retractedposition, said pin is carried into the path of the tracer 35 and servesto prevent such movement of said tracer as will permit the contact 32 tomove away from engagement with the contact 31.

A projection 56 carried by the sector 43 normally engages the lever 53and serves, while the sector 43 is resting against the stop 44, to holdsaid lever in such position that the armature 52 is in attractedposition, and

so that when said sector is moved by the actuation of the handle 42, theprojection 56 will be withdrawn so as to permit the lever 53 to carrythe pin 55 into the path of the tracer 35 and withdraw the armature 52from attracted position.

A retractile spring 57 is provided for movlng the lever 53 to carry thearmature 52' away from its attracted position upon deenergization of themagnet 40 while the projection 56 is withdrawn from engagement with saidlever, and the limit 58 is provided in the path. of the lever forarresting the movement of said lever, in response to the spring 57, whenit has moved far enough to withdraw the armature from the effectivefield of the magnet 40. v

The tracer 35 is arranged to coiiperate with the pin 55 in a well knownmanner, so that the lever 53 will be locked against movement to carrythe armature toward a retracted position whenever the tracer 35 occupiesa position which permits the contact 32 to leave the contact 31; and sothat, while the tracer 35 is supported by the sig nal wheel 30 inposition to prevent the contact 32 from moving away from the contact 31,the lever 53 w'll be free to so move as to carry the armature toward itsretracted position and to carry the pin 53 to a position where it willhold the tracer 35 against such movement as to permit the contact 32 tomove away from the contact 31.

The arms 59 and 60 move with the tracers 35 and 36 respectively, the arm60 being somewhat longer than the arm 59, so that the projection 61carried at the free end of the arm 59 is somewhat above the projection62 carried at the free end of the arm 60.

The cam 63 is pivoted at 64 and is pro vided with suitable lockingmechanism, comprising the sector 65 and the spring-dog 66 engagingtherewith, for the purpose of establishing four positions or stoppingplaces for said The stops 6'? and 68 are provided for limiting themovement of the cam 63, and the handle 69 is provided for manuallymoving said cam from one position to another.

The restoring block 70 (see Fig. 3) ismounted on the door or othermovable'part. of the box, and is provided with the camfaces 71 and 72which are adapted to engage the handle 69 when the door 73 is in closedposition, but permits the handle 69 to be moved as desired when the dooris open.

In the interest of clearness, the restoring block 70 and door 73 are notshown in Fig. 2, and the handle 69 and door 73 are shown in section inFig. 3.

The cam 63 is mounted in the path of the projections 61 and 62 and isprovided with a notch 74 which is so positioned that when the cam is inthe position shown in Fig. 2, said not-ch will lie in the path of bothof said projections and thus permit such movement of the arms 59 and 60as will permit the tracers 35 and 36 to withdraw the spacers 38 and 39from the support of the con tacts S2 and 3st respectively. The face 75of the cam 63 bears such relation to the notch 74 that, when said cam ismoved into engagement with the stop 68, said face will lie in the pathof the projection 61 and thus hold the arm 59 and tracer 35 against suchmovement as would permit the contact 32 to move away from contact 31,while maintaining a portion of the notch 74 in the path of theprojection 62 so as to enable the arm 60 and the tracer 36 to permit thecontact 3-'l to move away from the contact 33. The face 76 of the cam 63bears such relation to the notch 7t that when said cam is moved towardthe stop 67, from the position shown in Fig. 2, a distance representedby one tooth of the sector 65, said face will be carried into the pathof the projection 62 and thus hold the arm 60 and tracer 66 against suchmovement as would permit the contact 34 to move away from the contact33, while maintaining a portion of the notch 74 in the path of theprojection 61 so as to permit such movement of the arm 59 and tracer 35as will allow the contact 32 to move away from the contact 31. The face76 is of such width and beats such relation to the projections 61 and 62that, when the cam 63 is moved into engagement with the stop 67, saidface will lie in the path of said projections 61 and 62 and therebyprevent such movement of the arms 59 and 60 and the tracers 35 and 36 aswould permit the contacts 32 and 34: to move away from the contacts 31and 33 respectively.

It is evident that if more than two circuits are to be thus controlled,additional arms like 59 and 60 should be provided, each arranged toproperly engage with a suitably notched cam similar to cam 63 having asector similar to arranged to provide for the desired number of stoppositions.

It is also evident that the desired number of projections, similar to 61and 62, may be either spaced around the periphery of the cam as shown orthat said projections may bearranged in a line parallel to the axis ofsaid cam, and that one or more notches located in the path of the diilerent projections may be so formed and angularly spaced from one anotherthat the portions of the cam faces and notches atliectin the projections of different arms will support and release such projections at-thedesired points in the travel of the cam.

For example, in a signal initiating sta tion having either three sets orfour sets of circuit controllers, a notch, such as the notch H shown inFig. 4, may be provided for the projections of two of the circuitcontroller arms. and be arranged to so cooperate with the projectionscarried by said arms as to control said two arms in the varyingcombinations provided for the two corresponding arms by the structureshown .in Fig. 2, together with an additional notch, as for example thenotch 17% in Fig. 4. arranged to so cooperate with all of theprojections as to enable the additional arm or arms tobe controlled invarious combinations with the first pair of arms, and, if there are twoadditional arms, with each other. Five or six arms may be similarlycontrolled. so that any one, two, three, four, five or all of said armsmay be held against operative actuation, or may be released so as topermit of their operative actuation, by providing a cam having threenotches, one of said notches being so formed therein as to provide, withrelation to the projections carried by two of said arms, the functionsof the notch 74 of Fig. 2 or the notch 7% of Fig. 4 or the notch 7 t ofFig. 5, a second one of said notches bearing such relation to theprojections carried by said first named two arms and two other arms, asto provide such control'thereof as is afforded by the notch 174 of Fig.4 or the notch 274 of Fig. 5, and the third of said notches bearing suchrelation to the projections carried by all of said arms as to providefor the successive control thereof in a manner similar to that effectedfor four of said arms by said second named notch.

By providing additional notches and correspondingly arranging them withrelation to the projections of larger numbers of arms, any number ofarms may be thus controlled.

Referring now in greater detail to Fig. 4, it will be noted that the cam68 is pivoted at 64 and that the sector 65' moves with said cam and isengaged by the springdog 66.

The projections 161, 61, 62, and 162 are spaced around the periphery ofthe cam 63', having an angular displacement corresponding to that of theteeth of the sector 65; the projection 161 being positioned above theother projections, the projection 61' being below the projection 161,the projection 62 being below the projection 61', and the pro= jection162 being below the other projections.

For convenience in description, the cam 63 will be herein referred to asif comprising distinct sections 101, 102, 103 and 101 for cooperationwith the projections 161, 61', 62 and 162, respectively, although it isevident that said cam may be made either integral or in sections withoutdeparting from the spirit of this invention.

A notch 7 1', is formed in the cam sections 102 and 103, but does notextend into the sections 101 and 10 1-, said notch being of such widththat the projections 61 and 62 may be simultaneously received thereby.Said notch bears such relation to the teeth of the sector 65 that, ifsaid cam is moved toward the stop 67' from the position where said notchlies in the path of the projections 61 and 62 a distance represented byone tooth of said sector, said notch 71 will be withdrawn from the pathof the projection 62, while a portion of saidnotch will lie in the pathof the projection 61; and if said cam is moved a corresponding distancein the opposite direction, said notch 71 will be withdrawn from the pathof the projection 61 and a portion of said notch will remain in the pathof the projection 62.

The notch 17% extends through all of the sections of the cam 63 and issituated at such a distance from the notch 7% that, all of saidprojections may be simultaneously held by said cam against operativeactuation while a portion of the face of the cam section 103 situatedintermediate of said notches lies in the path of the projection 62.

Said notch 171 is of such width that, when the cam 63 is in the positionshown in Fig. 4, portions of said notch will be disposed in the path ofall of the projections, and that movement of said cam in eitherdirection a distance represented by a tooth of the sector 65 will carrysaid notch out of the path of one of the projections, and movement ofsaid cam for distances representing additional notches will withdrawsaid notch from the path of a corresponding additional number of theprojections.

From the foregoing it is apparent that when the cam 63 is in theposition shown in Fig. 4 it permits the operative actuation of all ofthe arms associated therewith; that when said cam is moved toward thestop 68 from the position shown in Fig. 4, a distance represented by onetooth of the sector 65, said cam will serve to hold the arm associatedwith the projectionlGl against operative actuation, while permittingsuch actuation of the other arms; that when said cam is so moved adistance represented by two teeth of said sector, said cam will serve tohold the arms associated with the projections 161 and 61 againstoperative actuation, while permitting such actuation of the armsassociated with the projections .62? and 162; that when said cam is somoved a dis tance represented by three teeth of said sector, thusbringing said sector into engagement with said stop 68, said cam willserve to hold the arms associated with the projections161, 61 and 62against operative actuation, while permitting such actuation of the armassociated with projection 162; that when said cam is moved toward thestop 67 from the position shown in Fig. 4, a distance represented by onetooth of said sector, said cam will serve to hold the arm associatedwith the projection 162 against operative,- actuation, while permittingsuch actuation of the arms associated with the other projections; thatwhen said cam is so moved a distance represented by two teeth of saidsector, said cam will serve to hold the arms associated wth theprojections 162 and 62 against operative actuation, while permittingsuch actuation of the arms associated with the projections 61 and 161;that when said cam is so moved a distance represented by three teeth ofsaid sector, said cam will serve to hold the arms associated with theprojections 162, 62 and 61 against operative actuation, while permittingsuch actuation of the arm associated with the projection 161; that whensaid cam is so moved a distance represented by four teeth of saidsector, said cam will serve to hold the arms associated with all of theprojections against operative actuation; that when said cam is so moveda distance represented by fiveteeth of said sector, said cam will permitoperative actuation of the arm associated with the projection 62, whileserving to hold the other arms against such actuation; that when saidcam is so moved a distance represented by six teeth of said sector, saidcam willpermit the operative actuation of the arms associated with theprojections 62 and 61, while serving to hold the other two arms againstsuch actuation; and that when said cam is so moved a distancerepresented by seven teeth of said sector, thus bringing said cam intoengagement with said stop 67, said cam will permit the operativeactuation of the arm associated with the projection 61, while serving tohold the other arms against such actuation.

Referring now in detail to Fig. 5, it will be noted thatthe cam 63 ispivoted at 6% and that the sector 65 moves with said cam and is engagedby the spring-dog 66.

The projections 261, 61, 62 and 262 are disposed along a line parallelto the axis of the cam 68", all of the arms carrying said projectionsbeing of substantially the same length.

For convenience in description, the cam 68 will be herein referredto asif comprising the sections 201, 202, 203 and 201 for oooperation withthe aforesaid projections, respectively. A notch 74 is formed in the camsections 202 and 203 but does not extend into the sections 201 and 20-said notch being of such width, in each of said sections, as to beadapted to receive the projection cooperating therewith when said cam isin either of a certain two of the stop positions established by theengagement of the springdog 66 with notches in the sector 65. The notch274 extends through all of the sections of the'ca'm 63 and is situatedat such a distance from the notch 74: that all of said projections maybe simultaneously held against operative actuation by portions of thecam face situated between said notches notwithstanding the angulardisplacement thereof. Said notch 271i: is of such width that, when thecam 63 is in the position which presents a portion of said notchadjacent to one of the side walls thereof to one of the projections,said cam may be moved in the direction to carry such side wall away fromsuch vprojection a distance represented by three teeth of the sector 65without withdrawing said notch from the path of such projection, andthat such a movement of said cam for a distance representing four ofsaid notches will withdraw said notch from the path of such projection.

The portions of the notches in the respective sections of the cam areangularly displaced so that the portion of the notch 271 in the camsection 204: is spaced above the portion of said notch in the camsection 203 by substantially the angular distance from one tooth toanother of the sector 65", the portions of the notches in the camsection 202 are similarly spaced below the portions of said respectivenotches in the cam section 203, and the portion 01 the notch 2H in camsection 201 iscorrespondingiy spaced below the portion of said notch incam section 202.

From the foregoing it is apparent that when the cam 63. is in theposition shown in Fig. 5 it permits the operative actuation of all ofthe arms associated therewith; that when said cam is moved toward thestop 68' from the pcsition shown in Fig. 4, a distance represented byone tooth of .the sector 65", said cam will serve to hold the armassociated with the projection 261 against operative actuation, whilepermitting s uch actuation of the other arms; that when said cam is somoved a distance represented by two teeth of said sector, said cam willserve to hold the armsassociated with the projections 261 and 61 againstoperative actuation, while permitting such actuation of the armsassociated with the projections 62 and 262; that when said cam is somoved a distance represented by three teeth of said sector, thusbringing said sector into engagement with said step 68,v said cam willserve to hold the arms associated with the projections 261, 61 and 62against operative actuation, while permitting such actuation of the armassociated with the projection 262; that when said cam is moved towardthe stop 67", from the position shown in Fig. 5, a distance representedby one tooth of said sector, said cam will serve to hold the armassociated with the projection 262 against operative actuation, whilepermitting such actuation of the arms associated with the otherprejections; that when said cam is so moved a distance represented bytwo teeth of said sector, said cam will. serve to hold the armsassociated with the projections 262 and 62 against operative. actuation,while permitting such actuation of the arms associated with theprojections 61 and 261; that when said cam is so moved a distancerepresented by three teeth of said sector, said cam will serve to holdthe arms associated with the projections 262, 62" and 61 againstoperative actuation, while permitting such actuation of the armassociated with the projection 261; that when said cam is so moved adistance represented by four teeth of said sector, said camwill serve tohold the arms associated with all of the projections against operativeactuation; that when said camis so moved a distance represented by fiveteeth of said sector, said cam will permit operative actuation of thearm associated with the projection 62",

while serving to hold the other arms against such actuation; thatwhensaid cam is so moved a distance represented by six teeth of said sector,said cam will permit the operative actuation of the arms associated withthe projections 62 and 61", while serving to hold the other two armsagainst such actuation; and that when said cam is so moved a distancerepresent-ed by seven teeth of said sector, thus bringing said cam intoengagement with said stop 67", said cam will per.- mit the operativeactuation of the arm associated with the projection 61", while servingto hold all of the other arms against such actuation. V

The construction of the restoring block 70., which is illustrated inFig. 8, is basedupon the assumption that, under normal conditions, it isdesired that all signals shall be transmitted over both the local alarmand the general alarm circuits, but it is evident that, by varying theslant and position of the faces 71 and 72, such block may be arranged tocause the cam 63 to be. moved to any desired position when the door 73is closed. 7 i

It will be apparent, from the foregoing description, that the movementof the handle 69, to carry the cam 63 to its various abnormal positions,can only be accomplished while the door 73 is open, and that uponclosing said door 73, afterthe handle 69 has been'moved to any positionother than that shown in Fig. 2, the face 71 or the face 7 2 of the saidblock 70 will act to restore the handle 69 and parts moving therewith tothe position shown in Fig. 2.

The prsitions to which the handle 69 may be set, other than the positionin which it is shown in Fig. 2, are indicated by the dotted circles inFig. 3. I

The operation of this invention is as fol lows:

When the system is at rest and in normal condition, there is a currentflow through the local and the general alarm circuits and, if thecurrent strength in said circuits is equal, said current flow will passserially through, said circuits as follows :from one terminal oflocalcurrent source H, through conductor 1 1, gong N, conductor 15,contacts 3-1 and 33 of signal-box C, conductor 16, gong M, conductor 17,contacts 3% and 33 of signal-box B, conductor 18, gong L, conductor 19,contacts 34 and 33 of signal box A, and conductor 20, to joint 11,thence through conductor 29 and magnet 40, conductor 24:, contacts 31and 32 of signal-box A, through conductor 27, magnet 40, conductor 2%and contacts 31. and 32 of signalbcx B, through conductor 25 and magnet40, conductor 2-1 and contacts 31 and 32 of signal-box C, throughconductor 23, general alarm current source G, conductor 22, generalalarm mechanism R, conductor 21, joint 10 and conductor 13 to the otherterminal of current source H. If the current flow through one of saidcircuits exceeds that through the other of said circuits such excesswill pass through conductor 12 between joints 10 and 11.

If now the winding handle 42 of one of the signal-boxes isdepresseduntil the sector 43 of said box is brought against the stop 45and thereupon released, the spring 41 associated therewith will act in awell known manner to cause the rotation of the signal wheel driventhereby, and the rotation of said wheel will alternately release andsupport the tracers and 36. Assuming that the cam 63 of such box standsin the position shown in Fig. 2,'so that its notch 74 is in. the path ofprojections 61 and 62, the contacts 32 and 3% will alternately move awayfrom andpress againstthe contacts 31 and 33 respectively, and therebyalternately break and close the local and general alarm circuits,whereupon the local alarm mechanismL, M and N and the general alarmmechanism R will give the desired manifestations of the code signal forthe transmission of which such Wheel 30 is arranged.

During the transmission of such signal, the non-interference mechanismprovided at the various signal-boxes will function in a manner which iswell understood by those skilled in this art, and such functioning willnot, therefore, be herein described in detail.

If it is desired to sound the mechanism in the local alarm circuit fromany signalbox without sounding the general alarm mechanism, the handle69 of such box should be moved to its extreme right hand position, thuscarrying its associated cam 63 to the position of the cam 63 ofsignal-box C shown in Fig. 1, and the winding handle of such box shouldbe'then depressed until the sector 4:3 associated therewith is broughtagainst'its stop 15 whereupon said winding handle should be released.The projection 61 ofthe arm 59 of such box being now supported by theface 75 of the cam 63 associated therewith, its associated tracer 35will hold its contact against movement away from its contact 31, but aportion of the notch 74L will be presented to the projection 62, SC thatthe tracer 36 will be allowed to drop and thereby permit the contact 34to move away from the contact 33, so that said contact 3% will be movedin accordance with the outline of its associated signal wheel 30 andthereby cause the desired sig nal to be manifested by the local alarmmechanism L, M and N without causing any responsive action of thegeneral alarm mechanism R.

If it is desired to transmit a signal from one of the boxes over thegeneral alarm circuit without transmitting any signal over the localalarm circuit, the handle 69 of such box should be moved to the left adistance represented by one notch of its sector 65, so as to bring thecam 63 of such box to the position shown at station A in Fig. 1, suchbox should then be set in motion in the usual manner. he face 76 of thecam 63 of such box would thus be brought into the path of its associatedprojection 62, while a portion of its notch 74: would lie in the path ofthe projection 61. The arm and tracer 36 of such box would thus be heldagainst such movement as would permit its associated contact to moveaway from its contact 33, while its arm 59 and tracer 35 wouldbepermitted to oscillate in response to the outline of the wheel 30associated therewith, and would thus cause the desired movement of itscontact 32 with relation to its contact 31 so as to suitably open andclose the general alarm circuit and thereby cause the desired responsiveaction of the general alarm mechanism It without causing responsivaction of the local alarm mechanism L, M and N.

If it is desired to operate the mechanism of one of the signal-boxeswithout causing responsive action of either the local or the generalalarm translating devices, the handle 69cf such box should be moved toits extreme left hand position, whereupon the face 7 6 of its cam willbe broughtinto the path of its associated projections 61 and 62 and thusprevent such movement of its arms 59 and 60 and its tracers 35 and 36 asWould permit its contacts 32 and 3% to move away from its contacts 31and 33.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United Statesis r 1. In a signaling system, the combination of a general alarmcircuit including general alarm mechanism, a local alarm circuitineluding local alarm mechanism, a plurality of stations,circuit-controllers at ach station in the general and local alarmcircuits, respectively, signal formulating mechanism at each station foroperating both circuit-controllers, and alarm-controllers at eachstation having means to variably control the operation of saidcircuit-controllers by the formulating mechanism associated therewith.

2. In a signaling system, the combination of a general alarm circuitincluding general alarm mechanism, and a local alarm circuit includinglocal alarm mechanism, a plurality of stations, circuivcontrollersateach station in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively,signal formulatingmechanism at each station for operating bothcircuit-controllers, and alarm-controllers at each station having meansadapted to be set to permit the operation of the local alarmcircuit-controllers and the general alarm circuit-controllers by theformulating mechanism, the setting of said alarm-controllers to anotherposition permitting the operation of only the local alarmcircuit-controllers by the formulating mechanism.

- 3. In a signaling system, the combination of a general alarm circuitincluding general alarm mechanism, a local alarm circuit including localalarm mechanism, a plurality of. stations, circuit-controllers at eachstation in the general and local alarm circuits, respectively, signalformulating mechanism at each station for operating both circuitcontrollers, and alarm-controllers at each station. having means adaptedto be set to permit the operation of the general alarmcircuit-controllers upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism,and setting of said alarm-controllers to another-position permitting theactuation of the local alarm circuit-controllers upon actuation of thesignal formulating mechanism.

7 45., In a' signaling system, the combination of a plurality ofstations, a main circuit extending to said stations, signal mechanismincluded in said main circuit. a local circuit extending to said st.tions, signaling mechanism included in said local circuit, a set ofcontact members at each station connected with said main circuit forcontrolling .the opening and. closure thereof, a second set of contactmembers at each station con-' nected with said local circuit forcontrolling the opening and closure thereof, signal formulatingmechanism at each station con nected with both sets of contact membersthereat for actuating said contact members to control the opening andclosure of said circuits, means at stations for mechanically renderingthe main circuit contact members unresponsive to the signal formulatingmechanism, and means at each station for.

mechanically rendering the local contact members at said stationunresponsive to the signal formulating mechanism thereat, and suitablecurrent supply mechanism for said circuits.

5. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations, amain circuit extending to said stations, mainalarm mechanism included insaid circuit, a local alarm circuit extending to said stations, localalarm mechanism included in said local circuit, a set of contact springsat each station, said contact springs at the various stations beingnormally in position to close the main circuit, a second set of contactsprings at each station, said second named springs at the variousstations being normally in position to close the local circuit, signalformulating mechanism at each station adapted to operate both sets ofcontact springs thereat and to control the opening and closure thereofand thus cause response of both the local and the general alarmmechanism, means at each station for mechanically rendering the maincircuit contact springs unresponsive whereby upon operation of thesignal formulating mechanism the local circuit will be opened andclosed, each of said circuits including suitable current supplymechanism.

6. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of stations, amain circuit extending to said stations, main alarm mechanism includedin said'circuit, a local circuit extending to said stations, local alarmmechanism included in said local circuit, a set of contact springs ateach station, said contact springs at the various stations beingnormally positioned to close the main circuit, a second set of contactsprings at each station, said second'setof contact springs at thevarious stations being normally positioned to close the local circuit,signal formulating mechanism at each stationso connected with both setsof contact springs thereat as to be adapted to control the opening andclosure thereof and thus cause response of the local and main receivingdevices, and means at each station for mechanically preventing action ofthe local circuit contact springs to open the local circuit thereatwhereby upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism the localcircuit contact springs will remain closed and only the main circuitcontrollethsaidcircuits including current supply mechanism.

- 7. In a signaling system, thecombination of a plurality of stations, amain circuit serially running through said stations and including mainsignal receiving devices, a set of contact members at each stationnormally closing the saidmaincircuit, a local circuit running seriallythrough said stations and including local receiving devices, a secondset of contact members at eachstation normally closing said localcircuit, said signal receiving devices responding upon openings of theirrespective circuits, signal formulating mechanism at each station forboth sets of contact membersthereat adapted to open and close saidcircuits, means at eachstationadapted to be set in various positions tovariably control the operativeactuation of the associated contactmembers during movement of the associated signal formulatingmechanism.

8. In a signaling'system,'thecombination of a plurality of signalwboxes,a' plurality.

of circuits running serially through said boxes and each 1nclud1ngtranslating de-:

vices, each signal-box having signal initiat-' ing mechanism including aplurality of c1rcuit-controllers, one for eachvcircuit, and analarm-controller at each box having means to variably control theoperative actuation of said circuit-controllers.

, 9. ha signaling system, the combination of a pluralityof signal-boxes,a plurality of electric circuits each running serially through saidboxes, each signal-box having signal IIIBCllElIllSl'Il' 1nclud1ngaplurality of circuit-controllers, one for each circuit, a

plurality ofitranslatinq' devices, one'or more for each circuit, and analarm-controller at each .box having movable meansto separately locksaid circuit-controllers, thereby to -selectively cause the'resp'onse ofthe translating devices included in any one of saidcircuits according tothe jpositioning of said alarmcontrollers.

10. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality ofsignal-boxes, a plurality of electric circuits each runningserially'through said boxes, each signal-boxhaving signal mechanismincluding a plurality of circuit-- controllers. one for each circuit,aplurality of translating devices, one or more for each circuit, and analarm-controllerhaving mov able means forlocking said circuit-controLlers singly or in groups, thereby to render any, all, .or none ofsaidcircuits responsive to said signal mechanism according to thepositioning of said alarm-controller.

11. Ina signaling system, the combination of a plurality ofsignal-boxeseach hay in signal formulating mechanism, translatingdevices, a plurality of circuits for connecting said 1 mechanism'andsaid devices,

and meanszatieach'box adapted to mech'anie cally-adjust the,- signalformulatingxmechm nism thereat to cause response of all of the circuitsup'onthe actuationof said mechanism, the means at any station beingadapted to beset to adjust thesignal formulating mechanism tocauseresponse of only one of said circuits upon the actuation of theassociated si gnal' formulating mechanism;

12. In a signaling system,-'a plurality of circuits, a plurality ofsignal initiating stations each having signal formulating mecha: nismincluding a plurality of circuit-controller's, one for each circuit, aplurality of translating devices, one or' more for each circuit, andselective holding mechanism at eachstation for the circuit-controllersthereat, the holding mechanism at the stations being normally settocause the operation of all off the circuit-controllers at any one ofsaid stations upon actuationof the signal formulating mechanism thereat,setting of the holding mechanism at any stationto an-' other positioneffecting: the adjustment of the circuit-controllers to permit operativeactuation of certain but 'not all of the circuit-controllers at the said1 station upon actuation of the signal formulating mechanism thereat,the setting of the holding mechanism at'any station-to another'position'elfecting the adjustment of the circuit-- controllers to causeresponse of certain but not all of the circuit-controllers at the saidstation-upon actuation-of the signal formulating mechanism thereat.

13. In a signaling system, a plurality of" circuits, a pluralityofsignal initiating stations each having signal formulating mechanismincluding a plurality ofcircuit-controllers, onefor each circuit, aplurality of translating devices, one or more for each 14. Ina signalingsystem, apluralityof' circuits, a plurality ofsignal initiating stationseach having signal'formulating mech'a 115 lers, one for each circuit, aplurality of trans:

nism including a plurality of circuit-controh lating devices, oneforvmore for each-circuit,

and selective holding mechanism at each station. for thecircuit-controllers thereat adapted to be moved .to various positions soall of said circuit-controllers from elf-ectively respondlng totheactuation Offtllll associated formulating mechanism;-

as to mechanically prevent either a prede- I termined one or apredetermined groupior .15. In a'signaling systcmaa plurality ofcircuits, a plurality of signal initiating sta-' tionseaclrhavingsignal-formulating me'chanism including. a plurality. of ;.c1rcu1t:con-etrollers, one for each circuit, a plurality of translating devices,- oneor'more for each circuit, and selective holding mechanism at eachstationfor the circuit-controllers thereat adapted to be moved tovariouspositions so as to mechanically prevent either a premit the effectiveoperationo-f all of the cir-' cuit-controllers upon the actuation oftheir associated formulating mechanism.

16. In a, signaling system, a plurality of circuits, a plurality of'signalinitiating stations each having signal formulating mechanismincluding a plurality of circuit-controllers, one for each circuit,a pluralityof translating devices, one or more for each circuit,-andselective holding mechanism at each station "for the circuit-controllersthereat adapted to be moved to various positions so'as to mechanicallyprevent either a-predeterminedone or a predetermined group of saidcircuit-controllers from effectively responding to the actuation oftheir associated formulating mechanism. the holding mechanism at thestations being normally set to permit theeffective operation of all ofthe circuit-controllers upon the actuation of their associatedformulating mechanism, setting of the holding mechanism at any stationto'a second position affecting the locking of one of thecircuit-controllers thereat without locking the other'of thecircuit-controllers thereat. or

Y 17.-jIn a signaling system, a plurality of circuits, a plurality ofsignal initiating stations each having signal formulating mechanismincluding a plurality of circuit-controllers, one for each circuit, aplurality of translating devices, one or'more for each circuit, andselective locking mechanism at each station for the circuit-controllersthereat adapted to .be moved to various positions so as to mechanicallyprevent eitheroa predetermined one or a predetermined group.

of I said circuit-controllers from' effectively resplonding'to theactuation of their associating formulating mechanism, the lockingmechanism at the stations being. normally set to permit the effectiveoperation of all of the circuit-controllersupon the actuation of'their'associated formulating mechanism, the settmg of the locking mechanism atany station to a second position effecting the locking of one of thecircuit-controllers thereat without looking the, othercircuitcontrollers thereat, the setting of the holding mechanism toathird position effecting the locking of the circuit-controller which isunlocked when said locking mechanism is in said second named positionand the unlocking of a circuit-controller which'islocked whenthehold-ing mechanism isin said second position. V 18. In a signalingsystem, a plurality of circuits, a plurality of signal initiating stations each having signal formulating mech anism including a plurality ofcircuit-cons trollers, one for each 'circult, a plurality of translatlngdevices, one or more for each circuit, 'and selective holding mechanismat each station for the circuit-controllers thereat adapted to be movedto various positions so as to mechanically prevent either apredetermined one or apredeterminedgroupof said:circuit-controllers fromeffectively responding to the actuation of their associated formulatingmechanism,-the holding mechanism atthe stations beingnormally set topermitzthe eflective operation ofall' of the circuit-controllers uponthe actuationof their associated formulating mechanism, setting of theholding mechanisnrat any station to' a; second positioneffecting. thelooking of one of thecircuit-controllers thereat without locking otherof the'circuit-controllers thereatgsetting'of the holding mechanism to athird position effecting the lockholding mechanism to a fourth positioneffecting the locking of all of thecircuit-controllers associatedtherewith 19. In a signaling systempa plurality of circuits, apluralityvof signal initiating statlons, eachhavl'ng signal formulat ngmechanism including a plurality of circuit-com trollers. one for each'circuit, a plurality oftranslating devices, one or more for each circut, electro-magnet'lcally-controlled holding mechanism and manuallyoperable sclectire holding mechanism at each station for thecircuit-controllers thereat, said I electromagneticallycontrolled'mechanism being responsive to one of said circuits and havinginterlocking association with the circuitcontroller at sa d station forsald circuit for preventing interference between" signals from differentinitiating stations, said manua lly operable mechanism being adapted tobe moved'to various positions so as to prevent the. operativeactuationiof'thecircuit- 7 controller associated with the electro-magnetically controlled holding mechanism when said manually operableholding mechanismis 1n afcertam posltion and to release saidcircuit-controller when said manually operable holding mechanism isinanotherpositiom 20. In a signaling system, the combination of aplurality-of circuits, a plurality of signal: initiating stations. aplurality of circuit- 1 controllers at. each station. in said circuits,

agasogzoie spectively, a plurality of translating devices, 1

one or more for'each circuit, an alarm-controller at each box havmgmeans to variably control the responsive action of the circuit-ncontrollers thereat. means tb lbck and hold said alarm-controller in thedifferent positions to which it may be set, a door for in closing saidalarm-controller, and means operable by the closing of said door to moveto and hold the alarm-controller in a predetermined position.

22. In a signaling system, a plurality of signaling circuits, aplurality of translating devices, one or more included in each of saidcircuits, respectively, in combination with a plurality of signalinitiating stations. each serially included in each of said circuits, aplurality of circuit-controllers at each station, one for eachsignal-circuit, code-Wheel mechanism at each station, a plurality ofindependently movable memhers, one for each circuit-controller, saidmembers being adapted to be suitably moved during the actuation of thecode wheel mechanism, thereby effecting the desired openings andclosures of the circuit controllers associated therewith, a movablecontroller adapted to engage said independently movable members andhaving raised and depressed faces to so coiiperate with said membersthat when said controller is in one position a depressed face Will bepresented to all of its said members, and so that when said controlleris in a second position a depressed face Will be presented to one memberand a raised face will be presented to another member.

23. In a plural circuit signaling system, a plurality of signalinitiating stations, a plurality of circuit-controllers at each station,one for each circuit, code wheel mechanism at each station, a pluralityof tracers at each station operable by said code wheel mechanism, onefor each circuit-controller, a movable notched controller at eachstation so constructed and arranged with relation to said tracers thatthey may be singly or in groups rendered responsive or unresponsive tothe actuation of the code wheel mechanism by the presentation of notchedor raised oniibns of a the not'ch'ed controller thereto. V

11 24:. In a plural circuit signaling system, a I signal box having "aplurality of circuitcontrollers, a signal wheel, a pluralityi'ofindependently movable tracers for said signal Wheel, one for eachoircuit controlle'r, a notched ca'm mounted 1 adj acent to "said:controllers, projections unovin'g' withs'ai'd tracers and extendingtoward "said" cam whereby any-tracer maybe supported to hold itsassociated circuit-controller cloMd indelpende'ntly 'of the actuationof' the signal wheel.

25. Ina signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signaling 1circuits-"a plurality of translatingtdevices included in said'circuits,respectively, a plurality of signal initiating stations,circuit-controllers at each station in said circuits, respectively,signal formulating mechanism at each station adaptedto operate thecircuit-controllers thereat, and an alarm-controller at each stationhaving means to variably control the responsive action of saidtranslating devices without thereby altering current paths for thecircuits of said systems.

26. In a signaling system. the combination of a plurality of signalingcircuits, a plurality of translating devices included in said circuits,respectively, a plurality of signal initiating stations,circuit-controllers at each station in said circuits, respectively,signal formulating mechanism at each station adapted to operate thecircuit-controllers thereat, and an alarm-controller at each stationhaving means to variably control the responsive action of saidtranslating devices Without establishing any additional current pathsfor said circuits.

27. In a signaling system, the combination of a plurality of signalingcircuits, a plurality of translating devices included in said circuits,respectively, a plurality of signal initiating stations,circuit-controllers at each station in said circuits, respectively,signal formulating mechanism at each station adapted to operate thecircuit-controllers thereat, and an alarm-controller at each stationhaving means to variably control the responsive action of saidtranslating devices without the employment of additionalcircuit-controllers or alternate current paths.

28. In a signaling system. the combination of a plurality of signalingcircuits, a plurality of translating devices included in said circuits,respectively, a plurality of signal initiating stations,circuit-controllers at each station in said circuits, respectively,signal formulating mechanism at each station adapted to operate thecircuit-controlv fopiei ofliis patent niay be obtained for Withouttheemployment'of holding circuits troller' thereat .ior preventinginterference 15 betweensignals from difierent initiating stations,saidmanually operable mechanism at each station beingadapted to preventthe effective operation of the circuit-controller associated therewithwhen moved-to a certain position and'to release its associatedcircuit-controller when moved to another position. I a o r V I .7 I

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe myname, this 15thvday ofDecember, A. D. 2 1916. a

- To. B. BEACH.

five cents each, by addressing the? Commissioner 0; Patents 7Washington,]). C..f i r o

